MEMBERS of the voluntary and community sector are being reminded they have a chance to contribute to the ongoing public inquiry in Hartlepool.

The investigation is examining the effectiveness and transparency of Hartlepool Borough Council’s commissioning and grant-funding arrangements for the voluntary and community sector and the declarations of interest made by councillors.

The councillors instigated the public inquiry themselves following the publication of the Local Government Association Peer Review that took place last year.

Tom Mitchell, a barrister practising from Fountain Chambers in Middlesbrough is chairing the inquiry, which will look back over the last five years.

Members of the public have the chance to give their views to the inquiry during half-hour sessions from 10am on weekdays at the Civic Centre in Victoria Road until Tuesday (April 30).

Then from Wednesday, May 1 to Friday 3 representatives of the voluntary and community sector will have their chance to meet up with Mr Mitchell during similar half-hour sessions at Civic Centre, which again will start at 10am.

Lastly, from Wednesday May 15 to Friday 17 it will be the turn of councillors.

All the half-hour sessions must be pre-booked in advance by calling 01429-523647.

People can also email Tom Mitchell at publicinquiry@hartlepool.gov.uk